Community And Governmental Affairs Committee

Community and Government Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, December 9, 2024 6:00 PM Present: Councilpersons Ben Bell, Elizabeth Wyckoff, Larry Browne, and Joe Frederick, Borough Manager John Davis, and Recreation and Special Events Coordinator Caitlin Hernandez. Council President Jack O"Brien, Councilmember Amy Taylor Popkin, and Mayor Noni West were also in attendance. Approval of September 9, 2024 Minutes. Minutes were approved as submitted. CBSD Linden and Doyle Elementary Schools Proposals. Ben briefly reviewed the current proposal from the CBSD to close one or more of the elementary schools and replace them with one larger school. Community members have joined together to discuss this issue and their opposition to it. John shared the plans will require several approvals by Borough Council including land development and transportation plans. The School District has been made aware that the Borough's stance on the project is to retain the current schools and renovate them as needed and approved rather than build a 'mega school". Committee members shared their thoughts on the possibilities, with Liz suggesting a community survey about the project to get resident input. John explained that community engagement is important to make the School Board aware of the feelings of the residents. Borough resident and parent Chris Candido shared his concerns as well as information regarding upcoming town hall meetings being planned by the district. Several other Borough parents attended to share their ideas and opposition to this plan as well. Caitlin will work with those in attendance to put together meetings with the parents of the schools involved and get information out to the community via social media. Economic Development Report. Caitlin reviewed several commercial vacancies in the Borough, as well as a handful of new and changing businesses. Social Media Report. Caitlin reviewed the continued increase in social media interaction on all platforms and positive feedback on the Borough's activities. New/Old Business, None. Meeting Adjourned. 7:lOpm Respectfully submitted, Amy Kramer Minutes Secretary